The Talking Farm began in 2006 as an educational 501(c)(3) not-for-profit with the goal of connecting communities to the benefits of a healthy local food system. Today, we achieve that goal through the production, distribution, and sale of nutritious, sustainably-grown, local food, and through hands-on education, primarily in the areas of sustainability, urban agriculture, horticulture, and biodiversity. Beginning in 2010, we directed our efforts to developing our 2.5-acre urban farm, the Howard Street Farm, in Skokie.
Today, we lead over 12 comprehensive, hands-on educational programs, provide over 3,000 learning hours at our urban farm, and distribute over 21,000 pounds of hyper-local produce to the community. By 2022, we aim to distribute over 60,000 pounds of produce to the community and expand our learning programs to match the pace of growth of our urban farm. In the future, with your help, the Howard Street Farm will include 2.5-acres of growing fields, edible woodlands, fruit and nut trees, a Greenhouse, and a Welcome Center that will double as an indoor learning space.
We are 100% community-supported. We rely on volunteer sweat and the financial support of the community to achieve our mission. Now in our 12th year, together, we are growing!
